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July 4, 2012

PGA Cars Launches A1


PGA Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Audi vehicles in the Philippines has announced that the A1 is now available at their Greenhills, Alabang, and Global City Showrooms.

Audi's most compact model comes with the S-Line body kit and is being offered in several colors. It's powered by a 1.4-liter engine that features both a supercharger AND a turbocharger. It's also equipped with the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Thanks to the small engine as well as advanced transmission and start/stop system, the A1 returns an impressive 18.86 km/L.

For more information about the Audi A1, you may contact PGA Cars at (+63-2) 727-0381 to 85.

July 3, 2012

Review: 2012 Mazda3 2.0 R

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Admittedly, when the curtains were pulled off the all-new Mazda3, the reception was a bit lackluster. Given the first-generation 3 collected numerous accolades and was for a time, the Philippines’s best-selling compact car, expectations for the new model was stratospherically high. Plus, since its arrival was a full two years (and a facelift) behind schedule, everyone was expecting to be blown away. Rumors circulated about the possibility of having a 2.0-liter hatchback, a manual transmission option, and even the arrival of the mythical Mazdaspeed3.

July 2, 2012

CAMPI Announces Motor Show Schedule


Optimism hasn’t been any higher for the 13 members and affiliates of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. or CAMPI as they have officially announced the dates of the fourth Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Slated from Thursday, 16 August to Sunday, 20 August 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, this year’s show carries the theme of: “Drive the Fun”.

June 29, 2012

Photo Break # 2: Road Less Traveled

Photo by Ulysses Ang
Here's the second installment of Photo Break. This time, we're featuring the Mazda CX-5 as we found this interesting mountain road in Batangas.

All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x800 pixel resolution. Enjoy.

June 28, 2012

Lexus Tops J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study


Lexus earned the honor as the highest-ranking nameplate in the automotive industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).

Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.

June 27, 2012

Ford Philippines to Conclude Manufacturing Operations by Year-End

Ford Motor Company today announced a restructuring of its local operations that will result in the closure of the company’s Santa Rosa manufacturing facility when production of the Ford Escape ends later this year.

This decision, part of Ford's ongoing restructuring of regional manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies and costs, and better leverage economies of scale, was made following a comprehensive assessment of opportunities to bring a new product program to the Philippines.

UPDATED: Subaru BRZ PHL Specs Leaked


With the Toyota 86 officially launching next week, Motor Image Pilipinas has already begun pre-selling their version of the acclaimed rear-wheel drive sports car. So, how much is the BRZ worth in Philippine Pesos? Well, if you're expecting a hefty discount versus the 86, you'll be disappointed. The Subaru BRZ is currently pre-selling for P 2,200,000 with deliveries starting 4th quarter of 2012.

However, the differentiating factor between the BRZ and its 86 cousin is the specs. The BRZ is expected to be better loaded, if just a tad. Preliminary specs include:

UPDATED: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Sliding Sideways Real Soon


C! Magazine, the Philippines's leading car enthusiast magazine has blown the covers off the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with an exclusive first test. The sport coupe is currently on the magazine's Facebook page cover photo and some digging reveals a July or August 2012 release date, raining a bit perhaps on the Toyota 86's parade. There will be a slight price increase, topping out at P 1,990,000.

June 26, 2012

Volvo Launches S60 Polestar Performance Concept

Photo courtesy of Volvo Press
Volvo Cars Official Motorsport and Performance partner Polestar presents the Volvo S60 Polestar, a performance concept car developed with the aim of satisfying the performance minded driver.

"We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60," says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. "It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we, from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers."

Review: 2012 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD

Photos by Ulysses Ang
When it’s said that the compact crossover segment is the most highly contested out there, that’s an understatement. Consider this: it’s the only segment in the Philippine market where every carmaker has a entrant be it utilitarian, upscale, luxurious, or sporty. Everyone from the Japanese (the original purveyors of the compact crossover genre) to the Americans, and even the Europeans are all in the act. Sad to say, when it comes to buying an actual compact crossover, top-of-mind choices often take precedent over what’s actually good or recommendable.

June 25, 2012

Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Normally, when you think “road trip”, your mind gravitates towards bringing a crossover or a large van with you where it is you need to go. So when we were invited to drive Hyundai’s newest (and smallest) city car, the Eon up Baguio, there were questions as to whether the diminutive vehicle would actually make it in one piece. We actually conjured up scenarios where the Eon would be thrown about by the crosswinds of passing busses or stalling up the steep climb up Kennon Road.

June 24, 2012

Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals

Photo courtesy of Kia Press
Last May 2011, the Columbian Autocar Corporation (exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the country) kicked off a thrilling partnership with the Philippine Azkals. This affiliation stemmed from KIA’s desire to support these talented athletes who have been representing the country in local and international football competitions. It’s no secret that KIA has fallen in love with the game and CAC is determined to help the Azkals in their pursuit of excellence in sports. In the course of 2011, CAC has been present in Azkals matches and several of the players have expressed their support for Kia on various occasions. In December 2011, Azkals veterans were also given their own KIA vehicle to drive around.

With a year of exciting collaborations with the team, CAC extended their contract for a second year as the Azkals’ official transport provider. Held at the Azkals Sports Bar last June 21, the signing event was witnessed by the motoring and sports media.

Following its aggressive sports marketing strategy, KIA will be one of the major sponsors at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As one of the official FIFA partners, KIA will be supplying vehicles from its model line-up that will be used during FIFA events. KIA is also boosting its brand recognition through a number of marketing activities and A-board advertisements in the stadiums during the games.

KIA Motor’s commitment to sports and passion for football are showcased in its continued partnership with the Philippine Azkals. With the different sports sponsorships, KIA Motors Corporation will continue to strengthen the brand as a global automaker that is adventurous and young-at-heart.

June 22, 2012

Ford Philippines Upgrades Explorer 3.5 V6

Photo courtesy of Ford Press
Continuing to raise the bar on customer expectations for a modern, capable, fuel-efficient SUV, Ford Philippines today launched the all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited with deliveries beginning next month.

The all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited features additional segment-first technologies that include Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Technology, Blind Sport Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

June 21, 2012

First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Upon his appointment as Toyota Motor Corporation CEO, Akio Toyoda has one goal: make Toyota fun-to-drive once again. As the founder’s grandson, Akio-san knows that one vital ingredient to make this dream a reality is to create an affordable and spirited sports car. Before the birth of the 86, it was puzzling that Toyota—being the world’s largest automaker, didn’t have a single sports car in its line-up. The absence was made even more obvious given the carmaker’s illustrious past: Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, Celica, MR2, and Supra. Now, after years of anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over as the company has introduced a new addition to its line-up; one that finally re-introduces a legend: the Toyota 86 sports car.

June 20, 2012

AVID January-May 2012 Sales Up 27%


While total industry sales rose marginally by 0.6%, the first five months of the year saw sales of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) increase by 27% to 12,887 units versus the 10,151 sold in the same period last year. Passenger car (PC) sales went up by 77% or 8,004 units from 4,528 units sold last year. Top three contributors to this growth are Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.

For the month of May alone, total sales rose by 11%, likewise driven by higher PC turnouts of 1,476 units, or a 47% increase.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Brings Perfect Business Deals Promo


Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brings the perfect time for entrepreneurs and those who are planning to start their own businesses.  The Mitsubishi Buhay Negosyante Deals promo offers flexible terms that will suit your budget and allow you to own the ideal and dependable vehicle for whatever your business may be.  Aside from the easy financing deals, customers are also entitled to exciting freebies and rewards when they purchase the L300 Deluxe, Adventure, or L200.

June 19, 2012

Review: 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost GTDi

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The all-new Ford Explorer with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is still a month away (deliveries start in July), but this author is lucky enough to have sampled, by all intents and purposes, the “base” Explorer. Of course, the P 2.250-million price tag is anything but base, but it still saves you something like P 200,000 compared to the V6. As with anything that’s deemed to entry-level, expect the Explorer experience to be diluted. The question is, by how much? The Ford Explorer V6 has raised the bar quite a bit by providing excellent driving manners and numerous creature features at a truly competitive price. So, how will its little brother, the Explorer EcoBoost fair?

June 18, 2012

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches 86

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press
After years of anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over. Toyota Motor Philippines uncovers the legendary 86 sports coupe in June of 2012. Made famous by car enthusiast, the number “86” presents multiple meanings behind it, including the rich history of Toyota sports cars and the emotions that went into building this vehicle. It shares the same number based on the motor show concept “FT-86”, which in turn was patterned on the 1982 Toyota AE86 also known as the hachiroku; a car which never relied on beastly horsepower but instead on a combination of a lightweight design, responsive power and a perfect balance. 30 years later, the 86 is reborn with the spirit and the heart of its predecessors; the 2000GT, Sports 800 and the AE86.

June 13, 2012

Philippine Car Price Guide: June 2012

Here's your monthly installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. In this update, we've included some price movements from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.

Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.

There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:

June 12, 2012

Review: 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Honda Jazz


On any other day, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or more appropriately in this case, comparing a bottle of Gold Eagle to Stella Artois. They’re both brewed from the same combination of cereal, barley and wheat but the end result couldn’t be further apart. Yet, you cannot deny that the fundamental ingredients are the same. The same could be said about driving two cars from the same manufacturer, in this case, Honda. At first glance, the sub-P800,000 hatchback Jazz and the sub-P2-million Accord may seem worlds apart, but they do have the very same basic ingredient: superb engineering. And that’s the basis of this back-to-back drive.